Opportunities to Find our Franchise PG...

[glazeduck]

I want to start this post by stating what I THINK we'll do this offseason in regards to finding us a long-term solution at PG. I personally believe we will try to make a small trade for (or sign outright, if he's cut), Johnny Flynn. I don't specifically know WHY I feel this way, but I feel as though our FO views him as a high reward/low risk guy to take a chance on.

That said, I've been looking at some of the other potential possibilities out there. Here are my thoughts:

-We could always go the free agent route, but there's not a lot out there, and we don't have the clout to get a Deron Williams/CP3. The most realistic options with this route look like Mario Chalmers, Aaron Brooks or Rodney Stuckey (all Restricted Free Agents). Outside of those guys, a few possibilities that I suppose would be worth throwing against the wall are combo types like Shannon Brown, Willie Green, Leandro Barbosa, or Nick Young. None of these options really seem like great opportunities for a cheap investment w/ long-term payout like we'll be looking for.

-Another option that doesn't make a ton of sense to me is the trade route. Teams like OKC (Westbrook/Maynor), Minnesota (Flynn/Rubio/Ridnour/Ellington), Golden State (Ellis/Curry), Celtics (Rondo/Bradley), and Spurs (Parker/Hill/Neal) all have multiple young PGs, however the problem with trading for a young PG w/ any sort of promise is that you'll always pay a premium on them. Certainly circumstances could change depending on who falls where in the lottery (particularly, I think DJ Augustin could become more available), but generally speaking, this doesn't seem like the soundest of strategies when retooling with a 'now & later' perspective.

-The best opportunity that I see, is through the draft. I know a lot of experts are calling this a weak draft, and it is, but there are several PGs that I feel will be good-great starters in the NBA and another handful that are worth taking a look at. What's more, the weakness of this draft could make a lotto pick more easily obtainable. With solid trade chips, valued foreign assets, and plenty of SPAM, we could leverage a team missing out on one of the few elite prospects to get a guy like Brandon Knight (who I'm a BIG fan of) to groom as our future PG.

Envision this situation - Detroit - who has the 7th best odds at winning the lottery - misses and ends up at 7. While they're rebuilding, they also have big-time internal problems. IF you were convinced that Knight is the type of player that could turn into a franchise PG - and I am (hard worker, great IQ, great leader-type personality, good scorer, good vision) wouldn't a trade of Rip Hamilton (unhappy there, solid vet off the bench for us) and the 7th pick for Rudy (similar player to Rip, young w/ potentially-untapped potential), Camby (salary reasons), and our 1st rd pick this and next year (unprotected) + cash make sense for both teams? Obviously that would leave us w/ an even smaller frontcourt, but that's for a different discussion.

What if Sacramento stays where it's at at 5 or gets jumped by someone below them? They're a cash-strapped franchise that won't get a star in this draft that low. We could send them our 1st this and next year along with Andre (expiring contract) and Cash for one of their bad contracts (Udrih $6.5M for 2 more years or Francisco Garcia $5.5M for 3 more). Essentially we free up money for them to resign Dalembert or bring in a player than can help them right away while also being able to take a chance on a Euro or cheaper developmental guy (or just save the money to stay in Sactown) and we bring in a franchise PG and solid vet.

Just brainstorming of course, but I think, depending on how the lottery shakes out, there are certain opportunities that might present themselves and I think when everything is said and done, Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight will both be worthy of a reasonable move to get - assuming the price were, in fact, reasonable.

Should we stay put - Darius Morris is a big, young PG with upside that I'd be happy to to have us take a flier on.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

I'm fine with Miller for a few more years. I dont think we need to be in any hurry to find a PG... be patient.

 

[B-Roy]

I'd try and pry Jeff Teague from Atlanta for cheap. He's a quick scoring guard that's showing signs of being a playmaker.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Trade our PF for cap space several years down the line and wait until the contracts expire and max offer to the biggest FA PG talent at the time.

 

[KingSpeed]

I'd try and pry Jeff Teague from Atlanta for cheap. He's a quick scoring guard that's showing signs of being a playmaker.

I second that.

 

[Nikolokolus]

I'm fine with Miller for a few more years. I dont think we need to be in any hurry to find a PG... be patient.

All due respect but this is flat out wrong. Miller has held up pretty well to this point, but I thought he looked visibly less dynamic this season as compared to even the year before. The wheels are probably about to fall off (as sad as it is for me to say that).

 

[STOMP]

I want to start this post by stating what I THINK we'll do this offseason in regards to finding us a long-term solution at PG. I personally believe we will try to make a small trade for (or sign outright, if he's cut), Johnny Flynn. I don't specifically know WHY I feel this way, but I feel as though our FO views him as a high reward/low risk guy to take a chance on.

Just my wild guess that you're projecting a personal long held high opinion of Johnny onto the front office despite them giving no indication that they're interested in the Wolves backup

Quoting you from 2 years ago prior to being drafted... "I think this kid is going to be a beast! Reminds me of Chris Paul."

http://sportstwo.com/threads/141344-A-couple-of-good-reads-on-draft-PG-for-this-year?

and...

http://sportstwo.com/threads/148166-PG-Concern

http://sportstwo.com/threads/149507-Possible-Beneficial-3way

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

What about going after a guy like Rodney Stuckey? I would love to get Stuckey, he's a gamer and still real young. I think he'd be attainable as well.

 

[RR7]

What about going after a guy like Rodney Stuckey? I would love to get Stuckey, he's a gamer and still real young. I think he'd be attainable as well.

I've always liked him as well. I wonder what Detroit is willing to offer him, or match, during RFA.

I wonder, thinking of PGs, how Cho views the position. I know recently Nate had praise for Miller as being more of an old school PG, compared to scoring PGs like Westbrook, Rose, etc. With Roy likely to never be the same, and a new focus on LMA as the man on our team, I wonder if that changes the PG position any. Before, it was find a guy who could play alongside Brandon. Now, it's likely mroe who could play alongside LMA. Is that more of a scoring PG?

A few others, likely and unlikely...
I'd be interested in exploring a deal for Brandon jennings, and taking bad salary off of their hands. I don't know if they would do it. I'm not sure exactly how in love with him they are.
I'd like to get Jeff Teague from Atlanta, and would happily take Marvin Williams' contract off of their hands to do so. With Horford, Johnson and Smith all having sizable deals, I can't see them being willing to dole out 8 a year long term for Marvin Williams. Who knows.
Also Aaron Brooks, George Hill, amongst others.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Guard Rodney Stuckey(notes) has been with the Detroit Pistons for four years and he becomes a restricted free agent this summer. His contractual status could be made murky by the fact that the NBA collective bargaining agreement ends this summer as well, but MLive.com reports that the expectation is that Stuckey will be offered a multi-year deal by the Pistons unless something unforeseen occurs with new ownership or the CBA.

This past season, Stuckey averaged 15.5 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game while the team finished 30-52, only seven games back from a playoff spot. The team selected Stuckey with the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft.

If the 25-year-old Stuckey agrees to the qualifying offer that the team is required to extend to him this summer, he would make about $3.9 million next year and could become a free agent next summer, MLive.com reports, but "it is much more likely that the Pistons will retain him with a lucrative multi-year deal, whether he first signs an offer sheet elsewhere or re-signs directly with the Pistons."

LINK​

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

An under-the-radar move that I think would really help this team now and in the future.

 

[cdub503]

impossible that it happens but how hard do you think itd be to take curry away from GS?

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

impossible that it happens but how hard do you think itd be to take curry away from GS?

Considering the breakout of Dorell Wright I think they are set at SF, no need for Batum.

I don't think we have what it would take, unless you want to give up Aldridge for Curry...

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

If you are interested in Brandon Knight (and i don't know if he is that good or not), then I think a deal with Washington might work.

Here are a couple ideas from another thread.

1.We give them Camby, Miller , Elliot Williams, Batum and Armon Johnson.

We get back Rashard Lewis, Ja Vale Mc Gee and the draft rights to Brandon Knight. Since this is a big money saving deal for them, they don't exercise Miller's contract and we sign him back. We don't make the trade if Knight is not available when they pick.

For Portland they are basically giving up Batum for a great young center and for hopefully the PGOTF. It will cost them a lot of money. It makes them younger and more athletic and maybe lewis can still shoot threes (he has shot .390 for his career though he had a bad year last year).

For Washington it saves them a ton of money and they get Batum; Mc Gee might be expendable with young Seraphim ready to take over, these guys are somewhat similar, athletic defenders with not much offense.

If Portland doesn't think Knight could be another Russel Westbrook, they probably don't make the trade.

2. Camby and Miller for Lewis and Seraphim and rights to Knight (if available). Again try to get Miller back. Again this makes us younger and more athletic and maybe adds shooting with Lewis.

The first trade would save Washington 31 million and the 2nd 38 million, that's a lot of incentive; of course it would cost Portland a lot, but I think PA should do it.

 

[KingSpeed]

Pistons thought Stuckey was the future. Traded Billups and handed him the keys. Pistons have sucked ever since. They've played better with Bynum and McGrady at point.

I want Teague but Atlanta probably won't deal him. Maybe they'd give us Hinrich?

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Pistons thought Stuckey was the future. Traded Billups and handed him the keys. Pistons have sucked ever since. They've played better with Bynum and McGrady at point.

I want Teague but Atlanta probably won't deal him. Maybe they'd give us Hinrich?

A big reason for that is he's not a PG. He's a SG with some passing ability but he is a SG. He'll breakout if Detroit lands a true PG like Kyrie Irving.

 

[Mediocre Man]

It should be fun this summer...assuming there is a basketball summer...with what the Blazers do for a PG. Will they go after someone who will make LA and GW better, or go after someone who is more apt to shoot threes and let Brandon handle the ball? If they grab the former, how will Nate adapt his offense? If they grab the latter, how will LA and GW do next year? Will they go after a "defensive stopper", or go after a player that has been scouted to do damage to the teams in front of Portland like OKC and maybe Memphis?

 

[Blazinaway]

I second that.

I have to LOL, Atlanta has been PG starved and desperate for a PGOTF like we have, he's played really well against Chi so far (possible breakout series for him) - just why in hell would they trade him to us?

 

[glazeduck]

Just my wild guess that you're projecting a personal long held high opinion of Johnny onto the front office despite them giving no indication that they're interested in the Wolves backup

Quoting you from 2 years ago prior to being drafted... "I think this kid is going to be a beast! Reminds me of Chris Paul."

http://sportstwo.com/threads/141344-A-couple-of-good-reads-on-draft-PG-for-this-year?

and...

http://sportstwo.com/threads/148166-PG-Concern

http://sportstwo.com/threads/149507-Possible-Beneficial-3way

STOMP

My my, look at Mr. Investigative reporter! Good for you!

Yes, I thought Flynn was going to be a very good player, and still do. He's NOT a fit for the triangle in Minny though, so he's struggled. My point wasn't that I still WANT him badly, but that I think we would be interested in getting him for cheap. There were rumors that we were talking with Minny about him at the deadline. More importantly, my point on Flynn was more that I think that's one avenue we could take - looking for young PGs with talent that have struggled and go for a buy low type player...

If you read my entire post, you'd have recognized that the guy I really want is Brandon Knight.

 

[STOMP]

My my, look at Mr. Investigative reporter! Good for you!

the search function here is pretty easy to use... I just punched in glazeduck + Flynn and voila!

Yes, I thought Flynn was going to be a very good player, and still do. He's NOT a fit for the triangle in Minny though, so he's struggled.

I don't think Chris Paul would struggle in Minny's triangle... pretty sure a superior talent would at least have risen above Luke Ridnour on the depth chart.

My point wasn't that I still WANT him badly, but that I think we would be interested in getting him for cheap. There were rumors that we were talking with Minny about him at the deadline. More importantly, my point on Flynn was more that I think that's one avenue we could take - looking for young PGs with talent that have struggled and go for a buy low type player...

Since management claims to regularly talk to every team about availability of their players & Flynn is a cheap backup on the worst team in the league, it's pretty likely that he's been discussed. That said, I'm skeptical of most every specific rumor though (especially at the trade deadline) as they are usually coming from a frustrated player's agent who is trying to make it seem like they are doing their job. Management has little incentive to put out leaks on things they want to accomplish, and they're the ones who actually make the deals. Of course trades between divisional rivals don't happen as often as they do outside because of the chance that a move could come back to haunt a franchise. Also, it's been reported that Wolves management was none pleased with the Blazers following the Webster draft day swap because of belief they didn't disclose the back injury that caused him to miss much of the beginning of the season. That makes the possibility of another swap between these two franchises even less likely. If he's to become a Blazer I'd guess it will be through Free Agency

I haven't seen much in JF's game to think of him as more then a backup and he doesn't seem to have the handle or play making mentality of a PG. My best stab at projecting his career is as a poor man's Ben Gordon. I certainly don't see him as a potential "Franchise PG"

STOMP

 

[glazeduck]

I haven't seen much in JF's game to think of him as more then a backup and he doesn't seem to have the handle or play making mentality of a PG. My best stab at projecting his career is as a poor man's Ben Gordon. I certainly don't see him as a potential "Franchise PG"STOMP

I don't necessarily disagree with your assertion that he doesn't look like a franchise PG given his current production, but if we could get him for say, a future 2nd round pick, or even just a portion of the MLE were he to be cut, my point was that the FO might see him as a decent option to at least take a look at.

As for your point about why he's not succeeding in that offense and that a great player should succeed anywhere, it's a solid point, however sports history is rife with players whose skill sets aren't conducive to a given system, only to blossom in another system, and vice-versa (Hedo Turkaglu comes to mind). Sports history ALSO is filled with talented players going to teams with crappy support (like the Twolves) and underperforming, only to go elsewhere and succeed.

Again, not saying that's going to happen, nor that I even WANT it to happen anymore. Just saying that I think he presents an opportunity (hence the title of the thread) for a cheap investment with high upside at a position we badly need.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

This may not be a popular idea but looking for candidates for a backup PG one name kind of intrigues me: Jose Calderon. It's pretty obvious he needs a change of scenery. For him to dish out 9 assists/per last year with that roster is amazing, and he's a decent shooter.

38 3pt% (career)
10 PPG | 9 APG | 37% from three | 10-11 season
Age: About to turn 30
Contract: $9,780,993 | $10,561,985

 

[Blazinaway]

This may not be a popular idea but looking for candidates for a backup PG one name kind of intrigues me: Jose Calderon. It's pretty obvious he needs a change of scenery. For him to dish out 9 assists/per last year with that roster is amazing, and he's a decent shooter.

38 3pt% (career)
10 PPG | 9 APG | 37% from three | 10-11 season
Age: About to turn 30
Contract: $9,780,993 | $10,561,985

so on a team with an already high salary we are going to pay a BACKUP PG close to 10 mil a year? Insanity comes to mind

 

[illmatic99]

Rubio is reportedly going to sign with Miny soon. I still like him even if he had a down season this year.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

I still pine for Diamantidis - this year's Euroleague MVP and perennial defensive player of the year. If he wanted to come over, he could easily earn more than he does in Greece. He doesn't seem to want to, though. Watch him in action today on ESPN 3.

[video=youtube;lhaGd-kzkWc]

 

[magnifier661]

Maybe we already have one in Batum. I mean he is quick enough to guard other PG's, even the quick ones. All he needs to do is work on his handles. I think in 1-2 years he could start, especially having Miller mentor him in process.

 

[Blazinaway]

Maybe we already have one in Batum. I mean he is quick enough to guard other PG's, even the quick ones. All he needs to do is work on his handles. I think in 1-2 years he could start, especially having Miller mentor him in process.

Please, no way dude, another Mags over exuberance, love ya dude but come on now

 

[magnifier661]

Please, no way dude, another Mags over exuberance, love ya dude but come on now

Well all I'm saying was Batum had defensive assignments on the quick PGs this season and did a wonderful job. If he actually got some handles, he could be very valuable on both ends of the court. Even Henry Abbott said his B-Ball IQ is off the charts, so it's not like we have some caveman running point. The great thing would be it probably would take a couple years to implement; which allows us to start Miller for 2 years until Batum is ready. Also, the issue with Batum's minutes could work out. Wesley is a 35 minute player, Roy is a 25 minute player. Miller should be a 30 minute player. Basically give Batum 18 minutes at point to see what he can do.

 

[maxiep]

All due respect but this is flat out wrong. Miller has held up pretty well to this point, but I thought he looked visibly less dynamic this season as compared to even the year before. The wheels are probably about to fall off (as sad as it is for me to say that).

I'd be interested to know what Miller's interest is in mentoring. I would have no problem keeping him at a decent salary (more than he'd make for just his play and production) as a backup PG for another two to three years past this current deal if he would take a chosen PGOTF under his wing and teach him what he knows, kind of like a player/coach. Dre is one crafty, smart mofo who has a lot of knowledge to share. I just don't know if he has the kind of personality to do it.

 

[maxiep]

Maybe we already have one in Batum. I mean he is quick enough to guard other PG's, even the quick ones. All he needs to do is work on his handles. I think in 1-2 years he could start, especially having Miller mentor him in process.

Nico is a lot of things, but he's not even a SG, much less a PG. He doesn't have the handles, and even if he obtains them, he doesn't have the court vision or the feel for the game to ever be a point. He can guard points, but he can't run an offense.